Direct answer
What is Vidu?
Vidu is an AI video generation platform by ShengShu AI that creates up to 16-second clips and 2D animations using text prompts, source images, and multi-image character or scene references.
Vidu is an AI-powered visual creation platform developed by ShengShu AI HK Limited. It produces video clips and animations up to 16 seconds long from text, still images, and visual reference sets, reaching output resolutions up to 1080p. The core architecture includes models such as Vidu Q3 and Vidu S1, offering multimodal generation for live-action concepts, advertising assets, and dynamic 2D anime sequences. The system stands out for its multi-reference capabilities. While standard image-to-video mode animates single stills and supports defining first and last keyframes, Reference to Video allows creators to submit three or more reference photos of an object, character, or environment across multiple angles. Users can store these visual assets in a dedicated My References library to maintain visual consistency across iterative generations. Additional production features include an AI Sound Effect Generator, AI Image Animator, automated Smart Cuts, and a collaborative Vidu Agent designed to assist creators from prompt drafting to final output. Power users can also leverage an Off-Peak Mode for credit savings and interact with generation pipelines via a command-line interface (Vidu CLI) or developer API.
Vidu distinguishes itself through its Reference to Video and My References engine, which ingests three or more angle images to maintain character, prop, and scene continuity across generated shots, coupled with strong 2D anime styling and audio-visual clip outputs up to 16 seconds.
Product capabilities
Key features
Reference to Video
Blends three or more reference pictures of an object, person, or scene across different angles to preserve character and stylistic continuity.
Image to Video with Keyframes
Animates still images into motion sequences with user-configurable first and last frames to guide camera movement and scene progression.
Text to Video Generation
Transforms detailed text prompts into live-action or animated scenes with semantic scene interpretation and prompt-following.
My References Library
Stores reusable characters, props, and scenic backdrops within a central collection for fast retrieval across multiple video generations.
Vidu Agent & Multimodal Toolkit
Provides conversational workflow assistance alongside integrated companion tools for text-to-image, reference-to-image, and sound effects.
Vidu CLI and API Platform
Enables automated workflow integration, developer access, and command-line execution for repetitive creative pipelines.
Off-Peak Mode
Offers lower-demand generation windows that reduce credit consumption for exploratory rendering and experimental batches.
Workflow
How Vidu works
- Upload reference photos (three or more images for character/scene consistency) or input a static starter image.
- Enter a descriptive prompt detailing the desired action, environment, lighting, and style.
- Configure output options such as model engine (e.g., Vidu Q3), keyframe start/end parameters, or sound effect options.
- Generate the sequence and review the up-to-16-second clip in resolutions up to 1080p, saving key assets to My References for future scenes.
Practical fit
Who should use Vidu?
2D Character Animation
Generate animated narrative scenes, dialogue exchanges, and retro 1980s or 1990s anime sequences using character reference banks.
Social Media and Viral Content
Produce dynamic 16-second viral formats such as hugging, kissing, or fighting clips using specialized AI templates.
E-Commerce and Product Ad Videos
Animate static catalog photographs and swap advertising backdrops using reference elements for dynamic commercial assets.
Storyboard Gap-Filling
Bridge gaps between key visual milestones during pre-production, converting static storyboard illustrations into animated concepts.
Editorial assessment
Pros and limitations
Where it is strong
- Multi-reference ingestion (3+ images) helps solve character consistency issues across shots
- Generates up to 16-second audio-visual clips with optional 1080p output
- Free trial credits upon sign-up and daily login reward credits for casual experimentation
- Granular camera guidance via start and end frame pinning in image-to-video mode
- Strong community support and responsive model iterations reported by animators
Where to be careful
- Vendor operates a strict no-refund policy on recurring Stripe subscriptions
- Subscription credits expire after 30 days if not consumed
- Data is hosted in Singapore with technical processing conducted in jurisdictions including China
Commercial context
Vidu pricing
At the review date (September 2026), Vidu provides sign-up trial credits and daily login credits. Paid plans use 30-day recurring subscription credits, with non-refundable billing managed via Stripe, alongside top-up credit packs valid for two years. Exact tier pricing is dynamically loaded in-app and should be verified on the official pricing page.
Pricing, limits, taxes, model access, and regional availability can change. Verify the purchase-critical details on the official pricing page linked under Sources.
Transparent ranking
Why Vidu scores 70.8
Each factor is scored on a 100-point scale, then combined using the public ToolsRank weights. Engagement and momentum stay at a neutral baseline until measured signals exist, so no tool can gain or lose position from numbers nobody recorded.
Compatibility
Languages, platforms, and integrations
Languages
- English
- Japanese
Platforms
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Integrations & surfaces
- Stripe
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Google Account
- Apple ID
- Discord
Community
Reviews and questions
No approved member reviews yet. Editorial factors above are the only rating on this page.
Reviews and questions come from Google-signed members and are checked by an editor before they appear.
Frequently asked
Vidu FAQ
What is the difference between Image to Video and Reference to Video in Vidu?+
Image to Video turns a single static image into motion and lets users designate both the initial and terminal frames of the sequence. In contrast, Reference to Video accepts three or more source images showing an object, character, or location from various angles, fusing those visual elements with a text prompt to maintain visual consistency.
Can I test Vidu for free?+
Yes. All newly registered users receive sign-up bonus credits to test video generation at no cost, and users can accumulate additional credits via daily logins and community events.
How do credits work on Vidu?+
Vidu structures usage across three credit categories: Subscription Credits provided with plans (valid for 30 days), Purchased Credits bought on demand (valid for two years), and Bonus Credits granted through competitions or events (valid for two years).
Does Vidu offer refunds on subscription purchases?+
According to the official pricing documentation, Vidu is unable to provide refunds for completed subscription charges. Users wishing to avoid renewal charges must cancel ahead of the billing date by contacting support.
Where is user data stored and processed?+
User information is stored on AWS infrastructure in Singapore, with certain technical processing activities performed by authorised personnel and service partners in other jurisdictions, including China.
